Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014

Ka`u `Ohana Day is Saturday at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE yesterday postponed a bill created by the Real Property Tax Stakeholders Task Force that would phase out the non-dedicated agricultural use assessment program and replace it with a short-term dedicated agricultural use assessment program. The program would allow the county to recoup $28 million annually from owners of land zoned for agriculture who claim ag exemptions but do not farm.

Margaret Wille

      The purpose of the proposed agricultural use assessment program, according to the bill, is to encourage continual and committed agricultural use of lands. The ordinance would create a three-year transition period to provide ample opportunity to implement the transition to the short-term agricultural use dedication program and to provide ample opportunity for those seeking to participate in the short-term agricultural use dedication program to make any necessary adjustments in their farming operations.
      According to Nancy Cook Lauer, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, task force chair Margaret Wille said she’d taken the bill to the county Agriculture Advisory Commission, but several other council members expressed concern that few farmers know about it. Cook Lauer reported that the measure received little interest or testimony at several advertised task force meetings.
      “This bill addresses an ag loophole and major concern that has been going on for 40 years and in my view … there was no political spine or will to take care of it,” Wille said. “You get in the program, you can sit there forever … we’re basically losing $28 million … everybody else’s taxes go up for that.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Patch Hawai`i offers child care options.

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS VOTED IN FAVOR of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, and the Senate passed the bill by a bipartisan vote of 88 to one. The bill updates the 1990 CCDBG program, which provides federal funding to states to help parents afford child care while working or in job training programs. The measure now heads to the White House for President Obama’s signature. 

      “For some parents, not having access to quality child care means they can’t work to support their family. This legislation allows families to balance the need to work with being able to ensure the health, safety and development of their keiki,” Hirono said. “Each month more than 9,000 Hawai`i families rely on federally supported child care services that allow them to work or to acquire new job skills. Strengthening and renewing the CCDBG program is an important way to keep our families safe and strong, and I’m proud to vote in favor of this bill.”
      Hawai`i parents and military families can search for child care options at www.patchhawaii.org.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HONORED Hawai`i County leaders Mayor Billy Kenoi and Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira for their work in response to the June 27th lava flow in Puna. She has remained in close contact with the two leaders throughout the preparation and response process and will be questioning Oliveira today in a hearing of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
 

      “I want to take this opportunity to highlight two courageous leaders who’ve been the heart of a very strong, resilient community who face an uncertain future as the Kilauea lava flow continues slowly and steadily toward their homes, their businesses and their community,” Gabbard said on the floor of the House of Representatives. “Hawai`i County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira have shown incredible leadership not only in response to this, but also in response to Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Ana, and now for nearly five months, managing this slowly creeping lava flow threatening Pahoa.
 
All three of these natural disasters have been punishing on this community of Puna, whose residents continue to unite and show optimism even with this uncertain future. Billy and Darryl’s tireless work and strong leadership have kept people safe, informed and prepared, even as Mother Nature, through Madam Pele, runs her course. Mahalo to Mayor Kenoi and Chief Oliveira! We stand ready as your partners to support the community we both serve, and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to them.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Leahi Kaupu

PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT Leahi Kaupu won in her age division of the regional NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition and is raising funds to attend the next round of competition. The regional event took place in October in Na`alehu. The upcoming event is on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego before a game between San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots. Kaupu would also participate in the game’s opening ceremony. 

      “This is an opportunity and experience for me to not only represent my family, the Ka`u Lions Pop Warner Association but also the Ka`u community,” Kaupu said. “This positive and rewarding experience will teach me important life lessons building self-esteem, perseverance and fair play.
      If she wins the competition in San Diego, NFL will pay for her expenses to attend the National Competition later next month.
      For more information or to make a donation, call Rienadan Kaupu at 217-5990.

TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL hosts a harvest-themed Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event features keiki games and activities, a photo booth, free raffle, face painting and more. A lunch of chili with rice and fresh fruit will be served, and shave ice and popcorn will be provided by `O Ka`u Kakou.
       Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
      For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.

ANNUAL MEETING FOR KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is set for Thursday, Dec. 4 at Gilligan’s Restaurant at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person. Dinner includes pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door.
      The public is invited to learn more about the Chamber, which publishes The Directory for Ka`u annually, provides scholarships for students from Ka`u, hosts the annual art contest and selection for The Directory cover at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu and assists in funding Ka`u Food Pantry.
      For more information, call President Dallas Decker at 516-662-8789.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament is Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household items, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.

Celeste Manuia Ha`o aboard Hokule`a. Photo from NPS

KA`U `OHANA DAY IS SATURDAY from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Recently returned from serving as an apprentice navigator aboard Hokule`a, Hilo-native Celeste Manuia Ha`o recounts her epic return to Faleapuna, her village of Samoa. Guided by the waves, winds, stars, and Ka Panana Hoku, the Hawaiian Star Compass, she navigated her way home using the knowledge of Hawaiian ancestors. Participants discover how, whether on sea or on land, they, too, can orient themselves and never be lost.
      Sign up at 985-6019.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS HIKERS through Kipuka Ki and Kipuka Pua`ulu forests in the Mauna Loa volcano section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
      Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach Park. Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. sponsors the event that includes taiko drummers, local entertainers and community potluck. Suggested donation is $15. Call 928-0101 to register.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014

Hannah's Makana `Ohana performs at the annual Kauaha`ao Congregational Church Bazaar in Wai`ohinu Saturday.
Photo by Debbie Wong Yuen

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE today considers a bill created by the Real Property Tax Stakeholders Task Force. Bill 317 phases out the non-dedicated agricultural use assessment program and replaces it with a short-term dedicated agricultural use assessment program.

Chase & Victor perform at the fundraiser.
Photo bny Debbie Wong Yuen

      The purpose of the agricultural use assessment program, according to the bill, is to encourage continual and committed agricultural use of lands. The ordinance creates a three-year transition period to provide ample opportunity to implement the transition to the short-term agricultural use dedication program and to provide ample opportunity for those seeking to participate in the short-term agricultural use dedication program to make any necessary adjustments in their farming operations.
      The requirements of the three-year short-term program parallel those of the existing ten-year dedicated agricultural use program. The ordinance does not propose any changes to the existing ten-year agricultural use dedicated program. Thereafter, those parcels not in a three-year short-term dedicated agricultural use program or the ten-year dedicated agricultural use program shall be assessed at market value.
      According to a story by Nancy Cook Lauer in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, the task force was concerned that property owners take advantage of the agricultural exemption without growing crops. “My objective is not to knock people out of the program, but to make it as fair as possible,” Council member Margaret Wille told Cook Lauer. “It’s not just that they’re on ag land, but doing agriculture.”
      Wille said encouraging agriculture is important to making the island more self-sustainable.
      Cook Lauer said the task force “is trying to strike a balance between ensuring the county has enough revenues and making it fair for all property owners without unduly discouraging people who want to make a living farming.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I FARMER UNION UNITED, including its Ka`u chapter, is developing its 2015 legislative agenda. 

      One item seeks to remove hemp from the list of Schedule One narcotics at the national Drug Enforcement Agency. U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard’s Special Assistant Rachael James said Gabbard would work toward this, as well as assist with Hawai`i’s hemp production if the federal Drug Enforcement Agency makes importing seed difficult.
      HFUU plans to develop a working group with U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to enhance communications with the Food & Drug Administration. The group asked that Gabbard help find funding from USGS for instream flow monitoring and rainfall monitoring. James said she would.
      HFUU will promote farm-to-school programs. “We will be in negotiations with the state Legislature and Department of Agriculture to get farmers and schools paired up so that fresh fruits and veggies can be made available to Hawai`i school children,” said HFUU Vice President and Legislative Chair Simon Russell.
      The group plans to resubmit On-Farm Mentoring legislation asking for block grants to qualified entities from state Department of Agriculture for purposes of training a new generation of farmers on location, with a certificate awarded after completion of the course.
      A committee is being appointed to guide the Origin Products Act forward. HFUU member and Volcano tea farmer Eva Lee will chair this committee. OPA was authored to create a commission of farmers that will set standards and regulatory criteria for what is to be Brand Hawai`i. It is meant to create an incentive to farmers to grow local and retain sovereignty over what can be called Hawai`i-Grown, Russell said.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u families can apply for free solar hot water systems at HCEOC's
Na`alehu office. 

FREE SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS are available for Ka`u low-income families. To qualify, a family of at least three persons with limited income must be using an electric hot water heater and have a HELCO account. Applicants can either be homeowners or have landlords who will approve the installation.

      Those who qualify must be willing to participate in an energy conservation program and have not received a free refrigerator from HCEOC within the last 15 years (since 1999). Applicants must also have an energy audit of their home. 

      The program is jointly sponsored by Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council and Hawai`i Energy. HCEOC is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce poverty on the Big Island. Hawai`i Energy is the state’s ratepayer-funded energy conservation administrator.
      It is the goal of the partners to install solar hot water systems as part of reducing electrical consumption by disadvantaged households.
In Hawai`i, heating water comprises 30 to 40 percent of the average home electrical bill.
      For further information or to apply, call Mary Finley at 961-2681 Ext. 301, or contact Sheree Maldonado at 961-2681 Ext. 304 or smaldonado.hceoc@hawaii.rr.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kim Perrera sings with Elijah Navarro and Terrie Louis,
of Thy Word Ministries. Photo by Debbie Wong Yuen

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH held its annual bazaar over the weekend with 14 vendors and service organizations supporting the event. Musical groups, including performers Chase Cabudol and Victor Soma, Thy Word Ministries Praise Team and Hannah’s Makana `Ohana performed on the grounds of the church in Wai`ohinu. 

TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL hosts a harvest-themed Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is being held as a way to thank local families and community partners for their support throughout the eight years we have been operating our no-cost program for keiki ages birth to five and their caregivers in Ka`u.
      There will be keiki games and activities, a photo booth, free raffle, face painting and more. A lunch of chili with rice and fresh fruit will be served, and shave ice and popcorn will be provided by `O Ka`u Kakou.
      “Please come by and join the fun!” said Hawai`i South site manager Betty Clark.
      Guests are invited to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
      For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.

KDEN IS EXCITED TO BE WORKING with a talented cast for Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic tale Amahl and the Night Visitors. Taking on the role of Amahl is Emerson Aynessazian, who was last seen as the Nightengale in KDEN’s Once Upon A Mattress. Music and voice teacher Sherri Thal will play Amahl’s Mother. The Three Kings, Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, will be portrayed by KDEN veterans Andy Colberg, Tim Oldfather and Ocean View resident Dick Hershberger. The part of the page will be played by Joy Sever. Members of the Volcano Festival Chorus and Hilo Community Chorus are Shepherds. They are Ocean View resident Arlene Araki, Bonnie Burke, Thais da Rosa, Roni Koscik, Maud Lawrence, Tanya Lee, Joanna Spangler and Violette Thomas. They will be joined by Music Director Chris Tomich. The Shepherd dancers are Stephen Bond, Jessie Coney, Nathan Ducasse, Elizabeth Mulliken and Briana Tucker-Archie. They will be choreographed by Carmen Richardson. The cast will be joined by an orchestra of 19 talented musicians under the baton of Armando Mendoza. Suzi Bond is director.

      Amahl, a disabled boy who can walk only with a crutch, has a problem with telling tall tales, and his mother does not believe him when he tells her there is an amazing star “as big as a window” outside over their roof. His mother gets even angrier when Amahl tells her that a knock at the door is three kings come to visit them. The kings enter and tell them that they have come to find a king. Amahl’s mother sends him to fetch the shepherds to bring food for the kings as there is none in the house. Later that night, when Amahl’s mother tries to steal some of the kings’ gold to use to help her child, she is caught. When the kings offer to let her keep the gold, explaining that the king they seek will need nothing but love to rule his kingdom, she returns it. Amahl offers his staff as an additional gift, and suddenly finds that he can walk. He leaves with the kings to pay homage to the child who has healed him.
      Performances are scheduled for Dec. 26, 27 and 28 and Jan. 2, 3 and 4. Tickets are $15 general, $12 seniors 60+ and students and $10 for children 12 and under. Presale tickets will be available in December at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods and the Most Irresistible Shop in downtown Hilo. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information or to make reservations, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament is Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Nov. 17, 2014

Visitors from Brazil and the Netherlands have a friendly chat about the flow at the lava roadblock in Pahoa Town, which is otherwise open for dining and shopping. Photo by Julia Neal

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS met Saturday in Na`alehu to review the final roll out of the Ka`u Community Development Plan for community presentations in the New Year. About a half dozen members of the public attended.
      The 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. marathon saw steering committee members going page by page through sections of the document. The steering committee members for the Ka`u CDP and their contact numbers are: Patti Barry, 937-3124; Bob DaMate, 497-0384; Ron Ebert, 928-0027; Leina`ala Enos, 929-9022; Michelle Galimba, 430-4927; Loren Heck, 939-9454; Eldridge Naboa, 936-2189; Marino Ramones, 928-8240; Simon Torres, Jr., 928-6103; and John Cross, 987-4229.

Ka`u CDP chart shows number of vacant lots throughout Ka`u.

      After the meeting, committee member John Cross said, “I think we have an outstanding document, and the community will be surprised at how thorough it is.”
       Patti Barry said there was agreement by committee members on most of the policies discussed. She said one member took exception with site-specific shoreline setbacks. The draft CDP calls for “establishment at the earliest stages of the land use planning and development process of setbacks either at one-quarter mile or as far as practicable from the shoreline using a science-based assessment and considering physical limitations of the property.”

      According to Barry, the dissenting member said he thinks such restrictions are too high and would impede economic development. Barry said she thinks most people in Ka`u don’t want the district to look like Kona or Waikiki. She said she, as a realtor, wants development – “smart development.” She said her great-great grandfather, who was the first civil engineer for the territory of Hawai`i, developed a plan that would have limited near-shore development of Waikiki, but the plan was not implemented.

Luquin's in the the classic Akebono Theater building draws in restaurant-goers
with a musician. It is open for breakfast daily from 7 a.m. and remains open
until 9 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

      Many projections and considerations for the future are being discussed. Among the topics is the need for infrastructure, including roads, schools, water and other utilities that would be required even if no additional land were permitted for development. Included in the document is the fact that 82.5 percent of 15,234 existing lots in Ka`u are vacant. If one dwelling were to be built on each lot that is already zoned for development, population of Ka`u would be multiplied fivefold.
      All of the documents can be read at kaucdp.info.
      The Steering Committee continues its discussion of the draft CDP at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Na`alehu Community Center. The public is invited.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

EMPLOYEES OF PAHOA BUSINESSES, recently suffering from a downturn after the media blitz over the lava flow subsided and the town appeared to be off limits, say they appreciate that county Civil Defense provides the message in daily notices that Pahoa businesses are open. Pahoa is easily accessible.

"We are staying; we are open," says the sign at Pahoa Chiropractic, Therapeutic
Massage and Vitality Clinic. Photo by Julia Neal

      Reina Kanakaoli, of Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant, said this morning that “people are still living, still moving around and doing the daily life every day” in Pahoa. Luquin’s is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Phillip Paolo and his staff at the Italian restaurant said yesterday that they are happy that Civil Defense is letting the community and visitors know that the town is open and welcoming locals and visitors.
      Two visitors, one from Brazil and the other from the Netherlands, had a friendly conversation yesterday with a National Guardsman about the lava flow itself being off limits to the public. The guardsman told the tourists on their bicycles at the roadblock below that they weren’t alone in being held back from riding up to the edge of the lava. He said that he hadn’t even seen the lava flow.
      Meanwhile, several blocks away, businesses in Pahoa were open on Sunday with workers emphasizing that the town is walkable and drivable. Should the shops and restaurants have to shutter, they will need all the income possible now to help pay for any relocation, they said.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

  

Pahoa Used Books buys, sells and trades.
Photo by Julia Neal

VOG AIR SCRUBBERS GO ON SALE TODAY. Students at Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Sciences in Pahoa created the devices in response to poor air quality related to the continue lava flow that threatens their village. Dan Nakaso, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, reported that the students used off-the-shelf items from the local ACE Hardware Store to build the units, and ACE will sell them, with some of the proceeds going to the school’s Science, Technology & Math program. 

      According to Nakaso, the scrubbers use fans to remove vog from air and neutralize the acidity with a compound similar to baking soda.
      The vog scrubber is one of several innovations by the students. Others include protection for power poles similar to what Hawai`i Electric Light Co. is experimenting with, heat-resistant fabrics to allow cars to drive over lava that is still cooling and a water-cooled bridge to span lava-covered sections of road.
      “We teach giving back, HASS STEM coordinator Eric Clause told Nakaso. “I also teach the kids, ‘You can work the problem — or you can let the problem work you.’”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THIS IS AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK, the annual observance that honors students, teachers, education support professional, parents and community members who help students succeed.
      AEW was born out of national concern over illiteracy and was first celebrated in 1921 with National Education Association and the American Legion as cosponsors. The overarching goal of AEW is to generate public awareness and support for education. Ka`u residents can be a part of the celebration and through NEA’s Raise Your Hand for Student Success program. Taking the pledge show support for quality public education for all of America’s children.


      The pledge reads: “
I pledge to Raise My Hand for every child in America to have access to quality public education, regardless of family income or where they live; all educators to be respected and treated as professionals and participate in key education policy discussions; parents, families, communities and educators to come together and create partnerships to foster environments that are conducive for student learning; elected officials to do their part to ensure adequate tools and resources for all schools, include educators in key policy discussions and make sure that students have access to a world class education—from pre-k and beyond; public schools to have smaller class sizes, up-to-date textbooks and safe and clean environments.
      “Signing this pledge, I commit to being an advocate for great public schools for every student, and I will tell my relatives, friends and colleagues to ‘Raise Your Hand for student success.’”
      See more at http://www.hsta.org/index.php/news/raise-your-hand-take-the-pledge#sthash.ETZBJ3Q8.dpuf.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u resident Lui Sales' son Nainoa plays for the Lahaina Chiefs
on Maui. Photo from Lui Sales

NAINOA KULUKULUALANI-SALES, SON OF COUNTY FIREFIGHTER Lui Sales, lives on Kama`oa Road and on Maui. He plays for Lahaina Chiefs’ Peewee division who are the Maui champs. 

      The Chiefs play a statewide competition bowl game against an O`ahu team next week then head to Las Vegas in December to play another bowl game. Nainoa has scored 18 touchdowns in the season with two games left.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

KA`U `OHANA DAY IS SATURDAY from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Recently returned from serving as an apprentice navigator aboard Hokule`a, Hilo-native Celeste Manuia Ha`o recounts her epic return to Faleapuna, her village of Samoa. Guided by the waves, winds, stars, and Ka Panana Hoku, the Hawaiian Star Compass, she navigated her way home using the knowledge of Hawaiian ancestors. Participants discover how, whether on sea or on land, they, too, can orient themselves and never be lost.

      Sign up at 985-6019.

Tim Tunison leads an exploration of kipukas
Saturday. Photo from VAC

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS HIKERS through Kipuka Ki and Kipuka Pua`ulu forests in the Mauna Loa volcano section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      As a retired employee of Hawai`i’s National Park Service and life-long naturalist, Tunison has decades worth of experience actively managing and interpreting these special ecological areas of the park.
      “We’ll get off trail in both kipukas, discuss their rich history and ecology, identify native plants seldom seen anywhere else on the island, and I will share much more about why they are the most beautiful forests that I have ever seen,” Tunison said.
      He emphasizes geological characteristic of the sites that make the forests exceptionally unique: 8,000-year-old Mauna Loa lava flows covered by two-meter-deep, Kilauea-sourced volcanic ash. This accounts for the enormous stature of the native canopy trees — most notably Hawai`i’s rare soapberry. Although both kipukas were historically damaged by cattle, pigs and goats prior to them being managed by HVNP, recent decades worth of park-led invasive species removal and native plant recovery efforts has helped them dramatically recover.
      Participants should be injury-free, in average physical condition and bring rain gear, closed-toe shoes, a brown bag lunch and at least one quart of water. The day begins at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, where carpooling to the sites will be arranged.
      The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niualani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
      Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.